It's Time To Vote... From Now Through 8pm

Election Day is here, and for those that have not yet voted, there are 3 contested positions on Bainbridge: City Council, School Board, & Park District - and in each case, your vote matters.

In addition to the Chamber's own 1-on-1 chats with the City Council candidates, we also recommend taking a look at the recent League of Women Voters of Kitsap Candidate Forum with both Dick Haugan & Kirsten Hytopoulos.

Drop your completed ballots any time until 8pm on November 7 in the Dropbox in the parking lot by the Aquatics Center at 8489 Madison Avenue N.

Election Ballots are in your mailbox now.

Winslow Carjacking Highlights Need For Awareness

On Sunday Nov 5, a local employee exited the east side of Town & Country with her groceries - the parking lot was full and she was parked in a well-lit spot by other vehicles.

As she was placing her groceries in the car a man with a gun forced her to hand over her car keys.

He took off in her Pacific Blue 2017 Kia Sportage and headed north on 305, accompanied by a 2nd car (which was also in the T&C lot).

Police units in neighboring agencies attempted to stop the vehicle, but were forced to call off the pursuit due to 'dangerous conditions'.

The vehicle was last seen traveling south on Highway 3 and is still missing...please be on the lookout and call the Bainbridge Police 206-842-5211 if you have any information.

The BIPD, Chamber & DOL remind you to please remove your home address from any documents in your vehicle - like registration papers, insurance papers, & mail - and also suggest you hide or remove your garage door opener.

Kia and Hyundai face pressure to stem the rampant thefts of their vehicles - NPR

Federal Way Police Chief Leads Call For Changes To Police Pursuit Laws

Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge Opens This Week

After years of work, the new Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge will open before the end of the week, providing an elevated pathway for bikers, strollers, and rollers from First Avenue to the ferry terminal at Colman Dock.

The new bridge features:

• A path that’s 3ft wider than before
• Unobstructed views of the Waterfront
• New 24/7 lighting on the bridge

Crews are currently removing the pieces of the temporary pedestrian bridge that we have all been using - and will repurpose the sections within the Puget Sound to Pacific Trail System - which will eventually run 200 miles from the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal to La Push.

BCF Honors Local Philanthropists

The Bainbridge Community Foundation honored local activists at its Annual Philanthropy Celebration Nov. 3.

Lilly Kodama, Clark Construction, Partners in Health and the Quitslund brothers were all honored with community awards in a wonderful event at the new Stan Pocock Rowing Center in Waterfront Park.

The awards were created by BCF to celebrate individuals and groups who have inspired acts of giving—often realized through the work of nonprofits—and who have laid a strong foundation for others to follow in their footsteps.

Thursday Night Open House for Winslow Subarea Plan

At this week's Planning Commission Meeting, join the City of Bainbridge Island for an Open House in November to learn more about elements of the proposed updates for our Winslow Subarea Plan.

In Person Open House

(Hosted by Planning Commission)

Thursday, November 9; 6:00-8:00 pm

City Hall 280 Madison Ave. N

Additional information about the project alternatives, previous public workshops, and indeed all the documentation produced to date can be found on the City's project website...

BI Gets Spooky for Halloween on Winslow Way

Bainbridge residents proved that you’re never too old to dress up and join in for the Hometown Halloween festivities.

This year’s highly attended event was a howling success on Winslow Way, where merchants gave candy and treats to creatures, comic book characters and children.

An evening of good weather was perfect for finding Waldo, eating hot dogs, mingling on Winslow Way and wearing elaborate costumes.

RSVP: November After Hours at First Fed Bank

Join the Chamber on November 16 at 5:30pm to help First Fed Bank celebrate their milestone 100th Anniversary.

Complimentary wine is provided by our event partners and sponsors at Eleven Winery alongside delicious tacos from Miguelitos Cocina Mexicana.

After Hours tickets are always free for Chamber members and invited guests, with a limited number also available to non-members each month for $20 each.

Chamber Roundtable with Representative Greg Nance

Fri Dec 1, 11am

Chamber Members are invited to join us in the Chamber Conference Room to meet with 23rd District State Representative Greg Nance.

Greg is born and raised on the island and graduated from BHS in 2007.

He was just in Washington DC advocating for more federal investments for electric ferries, advanced manufacturing, and mental health facilities and will provide updates and take questions from the local business community. 

Ser Arte

Ser Arte is a performance art group fusing music, dance, and poetry to ignite the heart, incite the imagination, and spark wonder 

Ser Arte is made up of dancers, musicians, and poets coming together to create original works of performance art in and around Kitsap County.

They believe the arts heal and connect the communities and their intention is to inspire courage, hope, and creativity.

Celtic Crossroads Now Open

The Chamber was excited to bring out their amusingly large ribbon cutting scissors in celebration of the grand opening for Celtic Crossroads Northwest (CCNW) in The Orchard plaza.

Owners Maxx & Debbie Sonandre were joined by Mayor Brenda Fantroy-Johnson and Chamber President Stefan Goldby for a First Friday Grand Opening party - complete with bagpipes and whiskey tastings.

CCNW is a multigenerational business aimed at keeping their family together and honoring their Celtic heritage by importing fine handmade woolens, jewelry, and gifts.

They aim to become a "go to" store for those hard to find, unique gifts that make life special.

Annual Giving Thanks Community Meal Returns

Enjoy a delicious, no-cost restaurant-quality meal on Thursday, November 23 with both a dine-in and a delivery option.

St Cecilia's Conger Hall will host the community meal from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

If delivery is preferred, arrangements will be made to deliver meals between 9:30 and 11:30am.

Folks must sign up by Nov 13 for a meal by stopping by or calling the Senior Center, IVC or Helpline House.

The Good Play America Annual Gala at BIMA

Fri Nov 17, 7pm

Join The Good Play America Foundation for their "Great Night of Culture" fundraiser event at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Learn about their achievements of 2023 and hear their new 2024 campaign & next goals.

Purchase Tickets to this Event

Island Land Trust Restores Critical Fish Habitat at Springbrook Creek Preserve

In a landmark restoration effort, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust has restored a critical section of Springbrook Creek by removing an underground culvert and installed a 30-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the stream, allowing the creek and fish to flow freely through Springbrook Creek Preserve.

The restoration efforts were made possible through the support of dedicated volunteers, partners, and neighbors. 

Holiday Food Drive Begins at Modern Collision

From now through the Holidays, Modern Collision Rebuild & Service is accepting non-perishable food and toiletry donations to be given to Helpline House.

Donate four or more items & receive $5 off any repair exceeding $50 or donate eight or more items & will receive $10 off any repair exceeding $100.

Resource List for BIPOC Businesses

After a hugely successful event last week hosted by Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, a new set of resources and contacts for BIPOC business owners have been created in partnership with the Kitsap Small Business Development Center, Kitsap Strong, the NAACP's Bremerton Branch and the Up From Slavery Initiative.

Local BIPOC business owners and entrepreneurs should also be aware that the Bainbridge Chamber has a discounted membership program to make our support, connections, and community available to nurture your ideas.

COBI Seeks Small Boat Rental Concessionaire

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking proposals from qualified concessionaires to provide small boat rental services to the public from the City Dock at Eagle Harbor Waterfront Park.

The park is located at 301 NE Shannon Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.

The City’s goal is to enter into a three-year lease agreement beginning January 1, 2024.